Many people have a long term interest, a hobby or sport which guides their lifestyle and informs their daily lives and other interests. For senior Kamila Wong, tennis is that interest. And according to Wong, tennis has been ingrained in her routines since elementary school.
“My dad started me with tennis, but I had tried a lot of different sports. I played soccer and softball. I think I played flag football at one point too, but none of them just stuck.” Wong said, “I think over the years, tennis was just this sport that was left. Like everything else came and went, but tennis stayed.”
Wong’s first exposure to tennis was at an afterschool program.
“I went to Escondido. SCRA is in the back, so I would go there after school, as the afterschool program, just before my parents came to pick me up.” Wong said.
Now a senior, Wong has come a long way since her elementary school league. She plays tennis competitively outside of school and competes to increase her ranking.
“There’s a Youth United States Tennis Association where you sign up through tournaments. It’s the association college athletes use.” Wong said, “You can sign up for tournaments there, and basically I, or my dad, signs up for tournaments and then I just go and play, and it counts for ranking and ratings.”
Wong’s greatest role models are her parents, who show her not only how to achieve greatness in her sport, but also how to balance it with other priorities.
“I’d say both my parents (are my role models). My mom has been really good with academics, but my dad has pushed me to be my best at tennis.” Wong said.
Though the sport makes up a lot to her identity, Wong is much more than a talented tennis player. She hopes to skydive someday, loves to snack, and says that if she could give herself a senior superlative it would be “biggest foodie.” Wong recommends Trader Joes’ “Ode to the classic potato chip” for anyone looking for a great new snack.
Wong says she’s heard before that others consider her an intimidating person to approach in the halls and wants to set the record straight.
“I’ve heard from multiple people that I’m an intimidating person to approach.” Wong said, “I don’t know what it is… I’m a nice person to approach.”
